Justin Hayward Continues Solo Flight
Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, who has already announced extensive solo dates in North America in May and June, will follow them with a 12-date UK tour in September titled Stage Door. VIP ticket packages will include an autographed poster, t-shirt, tote bag, pick tin set and a lapel pin (photo above: Opera – Ville de Nice).
“’Stage Door’ was the title of a song on my first album Songwriter,” says Hayward, “and although far from being the greatest track I ever made, it was absolutely the most joyful, with all the musicians and our families playing a part (sometimes with dialogue) in a glorious live performance directed by Peter Knight.
“Stage Door has a particular resonance for me as when were small boys my brother and I could not afford to go to the shows at the Empire Theatre in Swindon,” he continues. “In fact we were regularly chased away from the lavish entrance by the fat commissionaire who stood guard there, but we loved the Stage Door – we saw many artists come and go – and we believed it was the place the real magic entered and left the building. Which of course, it is.
“It is often the one part of the building I actually see nowadays and it has fond memories of joy for me to be lucky enough to be returning, and sometimes foreboding (I think of all those gigs where I have never actually seen front of house!).
“I have a friend at the Opera de Nice and the photo [top of story] is taken at the ‘Entree des Artistes’ at the side of that grand old building. I also realise that sadly I may be coming to the end of my touring career one day soon, and the stage door will be the place of my final step, and exit.
“For our ‘Stage Door’ gigs, with the sensational Mike Dawes on guitar and the gorgeous and talented Julie Ragins on everything else, I have some brand new songs to mix in, as well as old favourites. There is something there for everyone – I’m sure.”
Explore our dedicated Moody Blues Artist Page
UK English
Angie
March 9, 2016 at 3:04 am
I wonder what kind of magic you could have conjured up had your brother been around!?Double trouble or double brilliance. I’m sure he is smiling down on you Justin and I bet he’s urged you on all of these years!! What a team you’d have been. You are fab!! Look forward to another great concert in SJC in June. Angie.
Mary
March 9, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Looking forward to your show in Guildford in September
dave harle
March 9, 2016 at 7:20 pm
Ditto about Guildford cant wait, was there last year and brilliant
Mark
March 9, 2016 at 7:24 pm
When you say brand new songs to mix in do you mean songs newer than “Spirits of the Western Sky” ?
Jeffrey
March 9, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Justin is the best!!!
Gilbert Lomeli
March 9, 2016 at 8:39 pm
Hey, justin wishing you and the rest of the band all the best, i will see you in june in SJC .
Elizabeth Christopher
March 9, 2016 at 9:02 pm
Although you are drawing to a close with touring I will always
Joy Benson
March 9, 2016 at 10:28 pm
When Are The Moody Blues coming to Play on The West Coast of USA? I Always for 40 years have wanted to see them in Concert!!!
ellie
March 10, 2016 at 4:58 pm
To find the dates go on to Justin Hayward.com , that’s where I found them. I too have enjoyed the Moody Blues for 50 years and Justin’s solo tours as well. I’m glad I’ll be at the belly up tavern in June to see him. And hopefully get to see the band one more time. Bless you ellie
Pamela Baker
April 2, 2016 at 6:22 am
moodybluestoday.com/tour
Sue Bartlett
March 9, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Where can I find the list of dates & places you’ll be playing in the US? I saw the Moody Blues in concert, Portland, ME, about 1993. Would like to see you perform solo, as you are my favorite singer / songwriter.
Jim,MtnViewCA,USA
March 9, 2016 at 11:36 pm
Sue, you won’t be disappointed! I’ve seen two solo shows; they’re awesome. Typically a mix of Moodies songs rarely played in concert, some from Spirits and a few classic hits like Tuesday, Nights and Forever Autumn.
Pamela Baker
April 2, 2016 at 6:21 am
justinhayward.com/tour
Steve Kintner
March 9, 2016 at 11:39 pm
I am so thankful to have seen the Moodies numerous times, particulary when my children were there with me. My oldest daughter and I saw you at the Neptune in Seattle last year and thoroughly enjoyed your concert. I wish you were going to make it to Seattle again this tour but it looks like Portland Oregon will be the closest you come. Perhaps my daughter or wife can drive me there this last time.
Thanks for the tears, joy, and autographs from back in the ’90s. You have been the best ever, and my life has been blessed by your efforts.
steve
Michelle Clifton
March 10, 2016 at 1:31 am
Wishing you all the best for your North American tour. It was hard to read that you may no longer tour soon afterwards, but please know that your music has given me a special joy that I hold dear.
I fondly remember playing “Stage Door” for the first time. I then had to learn the lyrics so that I could sing along with it; and the joy I felt was just awesome. Your music is there for me if that make any sense.
I have so many artists that I love, and you’re about at the top of the heap and I’m thankful that I’ve gotten know your music and your artistry.
God bless you Justin Hayward and thank you.
Teresa
March 11, 2016 at 2:36 am
Love that photo in the stage door. I wish I had taken it! Justin, please come back to Boulder CO before you stop touring! I need to shake your hand and say thank you for all your beautiful music (and maybe a peck on the cheek!). 🙂
adria m.
March 11, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Maybe I will see you in UK, maybe not. Maybe I will, maybe I will not
Adria
April 3, 2016 at 8:00 pm
I will “see you in September “, again, like 2015…Except this time I will be with my nuovo husband, instead of my Madre… We hope to see you in London!
Jerri
March 12, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Has it really been 50 yrs? So hard to believe. And I’ve been trying for 50 yrs, to see the guys, live, in concert. Doubt they’ll ever come close to me again, for a concert. Guess that’s one that won’t get scratched of my bucket list. And it was at the top. That really bites! My absolutely, forever favorite band. Never to get to see that beautiful smile Justin gives out occasionally. Not to get to watch John ” do his thing”” getting everyone into the music. Never get to watch Graeme do his highland dance. Never hear Ray play the flute. Damn, such a sad thought.
Sherlie
March 18, 2016 at 3:54 am
NIce to know about the place & circumstances of this new photo – double entendre not initially intended 😉
Even if/when the MBs stop touring, I, among very many I’m sure, hope you always continue making & sharing your music with us.
I’ll forever hold dear the experience of being inside the (back)stage door, getting to meet you, at Kings Island in ’86 / Your (‘n’ my 🙂 ) Wildest Dreams tour <3
Joan lester
March 19, 2016 at 5:12 am
Oh wow what a handsome person you are Justin. When I meet you on your trip to Tucson Az on May the 31 2014 I was blown away it was a magical night .But I can’t wait to see you and the guys in Vegas on the 14th which will be your birthday it’s going to be another magical night for me.
Sherlie
March 24, 2016 at 2:31 am
…ahem! –make that The Other Side of Life tour where some Wildest Dreams may’ve begun to come true 😉
Just got out my Songwriter cd to rejuvenate …my mind And me. Had forgotten how much I love especially the run of Stage Door, Lay It on Me & Raised on Love! I, too, was raised on accepting & understanding Love, so there’s lovely connection with it for me. Then the exuberance of LIoM, …well …..
It’s always delightful to be reminded of what a brilliant songwriter you are, Justin! <3